We have a fantastic conversation for you today. We are joined by Andrew Nelson, a Marine Corps veteran who served for 10 years and completed two combat tours. He’s here to discuss his experiences during and after his service, highlighting the challenges he faced and the support systems that helped him navigate through them. 

From finding purposeful work to seeking therapy and building a support network, Andrew offers valuable insights and advice for fellow veterans. Tune in to hear his inspiring story of courage, recovery, and perseverance, and gain valuable perspective on the transition from military to civilian life.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 - Intro
2:03 - Andrew’s decision to join the Marine Corps, experience in the military, and work with the Department of Veteran Affairs
7:22 – How having a strong support system helped Andrew transition to civilian life
13:22 – Andrew’s decision to start talk therapy with the VA
16:24 – Andrew’s involvement with community service and commitment to serving those in need
19:43 –  Andrew’s advice and recommendations for fellow veterans

Andrew Nelson

Andrew E. Nelson was raised in the city of Chester, PA and graduated Chester High School in 2004. At 19 years old he joined the United States Marine Corps. After ten years and two combat tours, Iraq in 2008 and Afghanistan in 2011, he completed his career as a Staff Noncommissioned Officer in the Marines and was honorably discharged. After the Corps, he began working in government with roles ranging from federal with the Department of Veteran Affairs to local municipalities.

He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a B.S., and a MBA from Fox School of Business at Temple University. 

He is the proud father of 3 amazing children--Amoni, Ariya, and Andrew II. His experiences in life have inevitably shaped his perspectives and personal credo to be pro-community. He came back to Delco, purchased his home, and began working to make a difference by sharing his experiences and working to help our communities flourish.

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.